Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., a senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, criticized former President Donald Trump’s partnership with country music star Lee Greenwood to sell Bibles during an interview on CNN. Warnock denounced the high price of the Bibles, stating that “The Bible does not need Donald Trump�s endorsement.”
He likened Trump’s actions to the biblical story of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple, emphasizing the sacredness of scripture. Warnock pointed to Trump’s history of failed business ventures, such as Trump steaks and Trump University, as evidence of his propensity to sell products of dubious value.
He cautioned against purchasing the pricey Bibles, suggesting that they contradict Trump’s own conduct. Trump began promoting the Bibles during Holy Week, leading up to Easter, and urged his supporters to buy them on his Truth Social platform. However, this move sparked backlash from Christians, who accused Trump of exploiting their faith for profit. The Rev.
Nathan Empsall of Faithful America likened Trump to the corrupt money changers in the temple and criticized his use of Christianity for personal gain. Conservative individuals like lawyer Heath Mayo also condemned Trump’s actions on social media, urging fellow Christians to reject his attempts to profit from their faith.
Despite the criticism, Trump’s campaign remained silent on the matter, and the sale of the Bibles is set to financially benefit him through royalties. As Trump faces legal challenges and financial pressure, his decision to sell Bibles has raised questions about the sincerity of his religious beliefs and the ethics of his business practices. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between faith and commerce in contemporary society.